Researchers of a study investigated how tardive dyskinesia (TD) impacts the quality of life in patients with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. Using a web-based survey and various assessment tools, the study found that patients with TD experienced significantly lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and greater social withdrawal than those without TD. The impact was more pronounced in physical health domains and was most severe in patients with schizophrenia.

The study concluded that while all patients with these mental health conditions had a lower HRQoL compared with the general population, those suffering from TD were even more adversely affected.

Reference: McEvoy J, Gandhi SK, Rizio AA, Maher S, Kosinski M, Bjorner JB, Carroll B. Effect of tardive dyskinesia on quality of life in patients with bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. Qual Life Res. 2019;28(12):3303-3312. doi: 10.1007/s11136-019-02269-8.